American Epic, a 2-disc documentary series, grants viewers a window into the recording industry of the 1920s. During this time, the voices and sounds of the American people were first heard through songs played on phonograph records. These musical compositions ranged from mountain folk music to gospel songs. With this series, viewers connect with artists of the 1920s through secondhand accounts, while also learning about struggles many artists endured, such as poverty and segregation. This series is a resource for anyone interested in American music of the 20th century. American Epic is an introduction to the music of artists who paved the way and shaped modern music. American Epic Sessions (disc 2) is composed of performances by musicians using equipment from the 1920s. In fact, this series is suitable for children from ages 12 to 18. I highly recommend this series and give it 4 out of 5 stars.

From executive producers T Bone Burnett, Robert Redford and Jack White, this is the story of early American recorded music when the musical strands of a nation first combined to spark a cultural renaissance that forever transformed the future of music and the world. Also includes a feature-length film of in-studio sessions, with leading contemporary artists recording early American music on a restored 1920s recording machine.

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